He's England's future and no Muppet, but you've got to admit, United's suffering Jones boy looks a lot like Beaker with the same look of shock on his face as City score to win the Manchester derby

We don't want to be cruel, especially when Phil Jones has played so well... but you have to admit there is a shocking resemblance.

One is the future of England, possibly as a defender, or as a midfielder. The other, perhaps only readers of a certain age will remember.

It is, of course, Beaker from the Muppets, once voted the fifth best Muppet of all-time and one who is used to shocks, of the electric kind. Although he might have reacted in the same way if Sergio Aguero had scored a late winner into the top corner.

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Jones (left) is shocked and so is Beaker, who is usually electrocuted in Muppet episodes

Facing up to it: Phil Jones shows his agony as Sergio Aguero smashes in the winner in the Manchester derby

Beaker, who was rated below Kermit, Statler and Waldorf, Fozzie Bear and the Swedish Chef in the top 25 Muppets in history - but above Animal - by website cinemablend.com is widely considered as one of the most popular of Jim Henson's creations, even though he can't speak.

Appearing alongside scientist Doctor Bunson Honeydew as his useless assistant, Beaker is never usually far from trouble.

Reviewed by cinemablend.com, they write of Beaker: 'Every Dr. Frankenstein needs an Igor, and when it comes to Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, his favorite test subject has a shocking tuft of clown-red hair, a giant nose that occupies most of his face, and perfect globes for eyes that have been known to light up like Christmas trees when he’s electrocuted.

Celebrating or surprised? Jones and Beaker raise their arms

Facing up to it: a similar shock of hair and a look that says it all

Roaring success! Jones (left) and Beaker shout it out

'Not that Beaker’s able to protest. He
actually speaks a language few can understand, chirping “meep” every
time he’s volunteered for yet another dangerous experiment. And he has a
softer side, one display when he grabs the microphone and belts out
covers of Coldplay’s Yellow or Feelings (as a duet with The Swedish
Chef). But it’s his resilience in the face of science that makes Beaker
one of our favorite Muppets.'

Jones, 21, will be hoping not to show similar distress as United romp to the title. And we're hoping he sees the funny side of this. he will be a big part of Manchester United's future for many years to come and we're sure he can take the dressing room ribbing.

He can answer the rest of the critics by showing off his title medal at the end of the season.

Jones pulls another strange face as he lunges to block Carlos Tevez. Tevez hasn't scored in four games against Jones.

Jones and City striker Tevez in more crunching action

THE BEST OF THE MUPPETS

1. Kermit the Frog

2. Statler and Waldorf

3. Fozzie Bear

4. The Swedish Chef

5. Beaker

6. Animal

7. Gonzo the Great

8. Doctor Bunsen Honeydew

9. Rowlf the Dog

10. Rizzo the Rat

*Miss Piggy is 11th on the grounds that The Muppets are a 'sort of boys club' according to cinemablend.com. For the full list of their 25 Greatest Muppets in history click here

The mighty Muppets (Left to right): Fozzie Bear, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo the Great and Animal